Who Are the Best Players in Liga Portugal?
Liga Portugal once again features a mix of established stars and rising talents heading into the 2026-27 season. From world-class goalkeepers to prolific strikers and some of Europe’s most exciting young prospects, Portugal’s top flight is loaded with players capable of deciding matches every week.
Porto’s Stars Lead the Way
FC Porto enters the campaign with arguably the league’s strongest collection of individual talent. Goalkeeper Diogo Costa remains one of Europe’s elite shot-stoppers after leading Liga Portugal in clean sheets last season, once again proving why he continues to attract interest from some of the continent’s biggest clubs.
In midfield, 20-year-old Victor Froholdt has quickly become one of the brightest young players in European football. After scoring the winning goal in Porto’s Portuguese Super Cup victory over Torreense, the Danish international continues to establish himself as one of the league’s most valuable assets.
Leading the attack is Spanish striker Samu Aghehowa, who scored 13 goals in only 20 league appearances last season. His combination of power, movement, and finishing makes him one of the most dangerous forwards in Portugal and a key reason why Porto is considered the favorite to defend its title.
Sporting’s Leaders Continue to Shine
Sporting CP also boasts several elite players capable of carrying the club back to the top of Portuguese football.
Colombian striker Luis Suárez finished as Liga Portugal’s top scorer last season with 28 goals in 32 matches, establishing himself as one of the most clinical finishers in the competition. Despite a disappointing 2026 FIFA World Cup, he remains Sporting’s biggest attacking weapon.
At the back, captain Eduardo Quaresma continues to be one of the club’s leaders. A product of Sporting’s academy, the 24-year-old recently extended his contract until 2031 after making more than 100 first-team appearances and winning three league titles.
Alongside him, Ivorian center-back Ousmane Diomande has developed into one of Europe’s top young defenders. The 22-year-old represented Ivory Coast at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and combines physical strength, pace, and composure, making him one of the most sought-after defenders in Portuguese football.
Benfica and Estoril Also Feature Standout Talent
Benfica’s biggest star is once again Greek striker Vangelis Pavlidis. After scoring 30 goals last season, the 27-year-old has carried that form into the new campaign, including a four-goal performance against St. Gallen in Europa League qualifying. His consistency has even attracted reported interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
Richard Ríos is another player expected to have a major impact. The Colombian midfielder has an excellent reputation for his energy, defensive work, and ability to control the tempo in midfield, adding another dimension to Benfica’s squad.
Outside Portugal’s traditional “Big Three,” Estoril striker Yanis Begraoui deserves plenty of attention. The 25-year-old Moroccan scored 20 goals in 34 league matches last season, emerging as one of the competition’s biggest surprises and attracting transfer interest from clubs across Europe.
With experienced stars, emerging young talents, and several players already attracting interest from Europe’s biggest leagues, Liga Portugal once again offers one of the most exciting collections of talent outside the traditional top five European competitions.
